Rick Perry duped into 22-minute interview with pranksters known as ‘Russian Jerky Boys’

U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry thought he was discussing American energy interests with Ukraine’s prime minister during a lengthy phone call last week.

But according to the U.S. Energy Department, Perry was duped into the 22-minute call with Vladimir Krasnov and Alexei Stolyarov, a pair of pranksters who are sometimes referred to as the “Jerky Boys of Russia.” The Jerky Boys were an American comedy duo whose routine consisted mainly of prank phone calls.

“These individuals are known for pranking high-level officials and celebrities, particularly those who are supportive of an agenda that is not in line with their governments,” Energy Department spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes said in a statement to Reuters.

Perry and the pranksters discussed a wide range of topics, including Russian sanctions, the Paris climate accord, coal, oil and gas projects in the region and the United States helping Ukraine develop its own energy program.

“Giving Ukraine more options with some of our technology is, I think, in everyone’s best interest with the exception of the Russians,” Perry said on the July 19 call, which was posted online Tuesday. “But that’s OK.”